Bequeathed painting is by Rembrandt

The National Trust is celebrating after learning that a painting bequeathed to it in 2010 is worth a lot more than expected. According to the Guardian, the painting may very well be a self portrait by Rembrandt van Rijn, worth around £20 million.

The painting was bequeathed to the National Trust by the estate of the late Lady Samuel of Wych Cross, and while it appeared to be signed by Rembrandt it was thought to be a copy or simply the work of a pupil, of whom Rembrandt famously had many.

Recently, the painting was examined by a Dutch art expert, Ernst van de Wetering, who is convinced that the work is genuine.

The painting will remain on display at Buckland Abbey for the 2013 season, after which it will undergo further detailed scientific analysis.

Speaking to the Guardian this week, David Taylor, the curator of paintings at the National Trust, said “This portrait is now one of our most important works of art.”